daniel trusky - vietnam lessons
TRANSCRIPT
Vietnam WarUnit Plan
Daniel A. TruskySecondary Education Social Studies
Vietnam War Unit PlanTable of Contents
Introduction, Overview, & Standards
Lesson One
Lesson Two
Lesson Three
Lesson Four
Lesson Five
Lesson Six
Lesson Seven
Lesson Eight
Lesson Nine
Lesson Ten
Additional Teacher Resources
Reflection
Bibliography
Introduction
This unit plan contains scholarly information, lesson plans, PowerPoint presentations,
student assignments, and assessments pertaining to the Vietnam War. Students will be able to
understand the timetable of events that took place during the Vietnam War. The students will
also be able to determine, analyze, and elaborate on the conflict, major players, and the causes
that led to the war. The importance of military strategy, technology, science, and environmental
impact is also strongly stressed throughout this unit on the Vietnam War.
Overview
This unit plan is designed for students in a 12th grade American History course. The
students will learn about the Vietnam War, the major figures that played a significant role in the
conflict, the science and significance of Agent Orange and other chemical weapons used during
the war, the significance of air power during the conflict, and the military strategy and
methodology behind the conflict. There is a strong emphasis placed on geography, vocabulary,
critical thinking, and the global impact of the Vietnam War.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the
U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.
Ethnicity and race
Working conditions
Immigration
Military conflict
Economic stability
Lesson One: Introduction To The Vietnam War
Objectives
The students will be able to understand the important events that lead up to the start of the
Vietnam War. The students will understand France’s role in Vietnam and learn about the
Indochina War that took place. The students will understand that the United States pledge $15
million to aid the French. The students will examine the video explaining about the “Domino
Theory” with regards to Vietnam. The students will be working with a primary document on the
Geneva Agreements.
Standards
National
NCSS
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
Pennsylvania
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the
U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.
Ethnicity and race
Working conditions
Immigration
Military conflict
Economic stability
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 1
Video: Domino Theory – Explanation
Geneva Agreement Primary Document
Geneva Agreement Student Handout
Procedure
The PowerPoint (Vietnam Day 1) will be utilized to start off the new unit. The students will be
introduced to the important events that led up to the Vietnam War. The students will also
develop an understanding of the major players in the conflict. The students will be asked
questions throughout the PowerPoint to check their knowledge and to get their point of view. If
the students need clarification or have any questions about the information, they will be
addressed as the lesson progresses. The students will be shown a video explaining about
“Domino Theory” with regards to Vietnam. This video will provide students with a richer
understanding of the threat communism posed to the United States and it’s allies at this time
during the Cold War. After the video is concluded and the students are finished taking notes,
they will be asked a number of questions to check for comprehension. The presentation will
continue until they are ready to start the activity. The students will then break up into partners to
complete the activity using the primary document. Students will read through the document and
complete the assignment as directed. After all groups have completed the assignment, the class
will discuss their findings.
Assessments
Geneva Agreement Primary Document
Geneva Agreement Student Handout
The purpose of this activity is to get the students actively engaged and utilizing primary
documents. Students will gain a better understanding of how historians use primary documents
to learn about the past. The assignment is intended to be completed before the end of the period.
Lesson Two: Vietnam War 1955-1959
Objectives
The students will learn about Ngo Dinh Diem and the Geneva Accords. The lesson will also
explain about the relationship between the United States and France during this period in time.
Students will gain insight on the distinction between the north and the south in Vietnam. The
aspect of geography will be stressed in this lesson.
Standards
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 2
Map Activity
Procedure
The students will be presented the PowerPoint: Vietnam (Day 2) during today’s lesson.
Throughout the PowerPoint the student will be taking notes on the military strategy and
important figures in the conflict. Students will be given the opportunity to ask questions
throughout the lecture and share their own point of view on the subject matter. The next part of
the period the class will be working on completing a map activity. This is a great map activity
that stressed the critical role that geography played during the Vietnam War. This also is a great
way for the students to become familiar with the different regions surrounding Vietnam.
Students will complete the activity before the end of class. This activity will be classified as one
of their assessments and graded based upon completeness.
Assessments
The assessment for this lesson will be the map activity.
Lesson Three: Vietnam War 1959-1962 (Agent Orange)
Objectives
The students will learn about the threat of the Vietcong and the type of warfare they wage.
Students will develop a stronger understanding of the conflict between the North and the South
in this conflict. Students will also learn more about the relationship between the United States
and Diem. Students will understand the actions that President Kennedy took by authorizing the
Green Berets to intervene. The main focus of this lesson is one of the strategies utilized by the
United States with chemical warfare. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge about the
chemical weapon Agent Orange and it’s devastating effects not just on the enemy, but our own
soldiers. This has historical significance as well as teaching students how it relates to science,
technology, and environmental implications.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 3
Agent Orange Handout
Agent Orange Document
Procedure
The students will first be asked about what they have learned so far from the unit as a Bellringer.
After the Bellringer is completed and the students have displayed their understanding of the
subject matter, we will move on to the PowerPoint presentation. The students will be presented
with information on the PowerPoint and information that they have read in the textbook. The
main focus of this lesson is one of the strategies utilized by the United States with chemical
warfare. Halfway into the period the class will be introduced to the document on Agent Orange.
At this time, the students will break into pairs and begin working on completing the
corresponding worksheet. They will be assessed on how well the are able to convey their ideas.
The worksheet must be completed and information must be accurate. The students will be
interpreting the document and extracting the important information from it.
Assessments
Agent Orange Worksheet
Lesson Four: Vietnam War 1962-1964
Objectives
This lesson the students will be learning about the coup attempt to overthrow Diem. This lesson
will also examine the extreme protests by the Buddhist monks in protest of Diem’s government.
The students will understand the causes for Diem being overthrown from power and murdered.
This lesson will also explain to the students about the Kennedy assassination in Dallas. The
assassination of Kennedy is significant because Johnson then becomes President. The main
focus of this lesson will be on the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Students will be able to see a video
clip containing excerpts from different news broadcasts about the Gulf of Tonkin controversy.
The students will also examine a primary source document relating to the Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution.
Standards
National
NCSS
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 4
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution Document
Procedure
The students will first complete a Bellringer to check for comprehension of the material so far
covered in the unit. The students will then be presented with a PowerPoint presentation on the
significant events occurring in the Vietnam conflict from 1962-1964. The students will be given
the opportunity to ask questions. The students will be shown the video clip on the Gulf of
Tonkin. After the video is presented to the students, they will be asked to reflect on what they
have seen and present their ideas to the class. Following that activity, the students will be given
a primary source document to examine and write a summary of what they have read.
Assessments
Students must turn in their summary of what they have learned from reading the primary source
document relating to the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution.
Lesson Five: Vietnam War 1965-1967
Objectives
The students will be learning about the military strategies used during this period in the Vietnam
War. The importance of air power will also be stressed in this lesson. Students will develop a
better understanding of the different operations that took place during the Vietnam War.
Students will be taking a quiz towards the end of the period.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the
U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.
Ethnicity and race
Working conditions
Immigration
Military conflict
Economic stability
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 5
Vietnam War Quiz
Procedure
The students will first complete a Bellringer based upon where they left off from the previous
day. This lesson will start off with explaining to the students about Operation Rolling Thunder.
Students will learn about the importance of air power during many different operations in the
Vietnam War. A video clip will be show to help the students gain a deeper understanding of
how Operation Rolling Thunder was implemented. Students will also learn about troop levels
for the Americans reaching 200,000 on the ground. Students will also learn a different
perspective about the war by examining the anti-war protests that were happening during this
point in time. After the students have been presented with the information and all questions have
been answered, the students will be taking a quiz to assess their knowledge. After the quiz is
distributed, taken, and collected, I will grade them and determine what information they
understand and what needs to be revisited.
Assessments
The Vietnam War Quiz
Lesson Six: Vietnam War 1968-1969
Objectives
The students will be completing a vocabulary reinforcement assessment. The students will also
be learning about the Tet Offensive and it’s significance in the Vietnam War. Students will also
gain a deeper knowledge about the Battle for Hue and the intense fighting the took place.
Another important topic that will be addressed in this less on is the My Lai Massacre.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 6
Word Search
Procedure
The students will first complete a Bellringer to check for comprehension. The students will then
be given a vocabulary activity that they must complete individually. The students must be able
to find the vocabulary terms and be able to define each one of them for the class. Students will
be presented information about the major Tet Offensive and also the My Lai Massacre. Another
interesting topic that will be covered in this lesson is President Nixon’s secret bombing of
Cambodia during this point in the war.
Assessments
Vocabulary Reinforcement Assessment
Lesson Seven: Vietnam War 1970-1972
Objectives
The students will be examining the role that Cambodia played during the Vietnam War and
discuss it’s significance. Students will also learn about the tragic Kent State incident. The
publishing of the Pentagon Papers will also be examined. Students will complete an internet
activity where they will be learning about the changes in troop levels throughout the course of
the Vietnam War.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 7
Worksheet – Internet Activity
Procedure
The students will start off class with a Bellringer where they will display their understanding of
the content matter. The class will then begin learning about the significance of Cambodia during
the Vietnam War. A good amount of time will be spent on the aspect of the Kent State incident.
A video clip will be shown that explains the matter in greater detail. Students will be required to
reflect on the matter and share their points of view with the class. The other important aspect
that will be covered in this lesson is the publishing of the Pentagon Papers and the implications
that it had. The bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong will also be discussed as well. After the
presentation and any questions have been answered, students will be working with their laptops
to complete the next activity.
Assessments
Worksheet - Internet Activity
Lesson Eight: Vietnam War 1973-1975
Objectives
The students will be coming to the end of the unit and learning about the last few years of the
Vietnam War. Students will learn about the withdrawal of all troops from Vietnam during this
period in time. The aftermath of the Vietnam War will also be discussed to some extent too.
This lesson is intended to conclude the Vietnam War and reflect on all of the knowledge up to
this point.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
Materials Needed
Digital Projector (Smartboard if classroom has access)
PowerPoint Vietnam Day 8
Procedure
The students will be learning about the cease-fire signed in Paris that would go into effect on
January 28th. They will learn about the troops being sent home after the Vietnam War has ended.
Repercussions from the Vietnam War will be discussed in a classroom discussion. Students will
be asked to share their perspectives on the events that took place.
Assessments
Students will be asked to write down three major events or themes about the Vietnam War.
Lesson Nine: Vietnam War Review
Objectives
This lesson will be mostly focused around review for the unit test on the Vietnam War. The
students will be completing a practice test that covers the major themes on the actual exam. This
is a great time for the students to ask questions and review the vast amount of knowledge they
have been taught.
Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the
U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.
Ethnicity and race
Working conditions
Immigration
Military conflict
Economic stability
Materials Needed
Review Packet
Chalkboard
Procedure
The students will be actively engaged by asking questions and filling out the review packet.
Students will be working independently on the packets to more accurately determine what areas
need to be reviewed. This is a great time for students to prepare for the unit test tomorrow.
After everyone has completed the review packet and all questions have been answered, the class
will be going over all of the correct answers.
Assessments
Students will be working on their unit exam on the Vietnam War.
Lesson Ten: Vietnam War Unit Exam
Objectives
The students will use the entire period to take the exam on the Vietnam War. Standards
National
NCSS
Geography
G.K-12.1: The World In Spatial Terms
Understand how to use maps and other geographic representations, tools, and
technologies to acquire, process, and report information from a spatial
perspective.
Understand how to analyze the spatial organization of people, places, and
environments on Earth's surface.
US History
USH.5-12.9 Era 9: Postwar United States (1945-Early 1970's)
Understand how the Cold War and conflicts in Korea and Vietnam influenced
domestic and international politics
World History
WH.5-12.9 Era 9: The 20th Century Since 1945: Promises and Paradoxes
Understand how post-World War II reconstruction occurred, new international
power relations took shape, and colonial empires broke up.
Pennsylvania
8.1.12.A: Evaluate patterns of continuity and rates of change over time, applying context
of events.
8.1.12.B: Evaluate the interpretation of historical events and sources, considering the use
of fact versus opinion, multiple perspectives, and cause and effect relationships.
8.3.12.A: Evaluate the role groups and individuals from the U.S. played in the social,
political, cultural, and economic development of the world.
8.3.12.B: Evaluate the impact of historical documents, artifacts, and places in U.S.
history which are critical to world history.
8.3.12.D: Evaluate how conflict and cooperation among groups and organizations in the
U.S. have influenced the growth and development of the world.
Ethnicity and race
Working conditions
Immigration
Military conflict
Economic stability
Materials Needed
Vietnam Unit Exams
Procedure
The students will come into class quietly and tests will be handed out to each student. Students
will then begin working on the test and will have until the end of the period to have it completed.
Assessments
Students will be filling out a review packet.
Reflection
Teaching the unit on the Vietnam War has been a truly rewarding experience. The students
enjoyed all of the lessons and were actively engaged in the learning process. Preparing a unit
plan takes a great deal of knowledge and decision making in order to make the lessons effective
in teaching the students the information. All of the lessons kept the students engaged and
wanting to learn more about the topic. The format of my unit was efficient and the assessments
were great at determining the progress of the students. Due to time restraints of only forty-five
minute classes, I did not cover the Vietnam War as in-depth as I would have liked. However, the
students in my class have gained a great deal of knowledge about the subject that they did not
previously have. I am proud of my students for working hard and achieving the high standards
that I have come to expect from them.
Bibliography
Works Cited
Education World: The Educator's Best Friend. N.p., n.d. Web.
<http://www.educationworld.com/>.
"First Indochina War." First Indochina War. Global Security, n.d. Web.
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"Gulf of Tonkin Controversy from 60 Minutes -- LBJ, Fulbright, Morse." YouTube. YouTube, 22
Jan. 2009. Web. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOEH-xAMHRk>.
"Kent State Massacre - (Find The Cost of Freedom; Vietnam) Nixon/The Fall of Saigon."
YouTube. YouTube, 06 Nov. 2008. Web. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=ENc49KhI8Xk>.
"PDE Standards." Pennsylvania Department of Education. Pennsylvania Department of
Education, n.d. Web. <http://www.pdesas.org/Standard/Views>.
"Vietnam - Rolling Thunder." YouTube. YouTube, 03 Aug. 2009. Web.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTxrq_Erw-k>.
"Vietnam Database." The Vietnam Center and Archive. Archive of Modern American Warfare,
n.d. Web. <http://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/resources/digital.php>.
"Vietnam War 1945-1960 Timeline." Vietnam War 1945-1960 Timeline. The History Place, n.d.
Web. <http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1945.html>.
"Vietnam War History." Vietnam War History. Olive-Drab, n.d. Web. <http://olive-
drab.com/od_history_vietnam.php>.